Here’s a look back at Week 5’s action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
Rams 26, Seahawks 17: A sale-high window just opened for Robert Woods. He was bound to have a big game, but 150 yards on 12 receptions (14 targets) will bring a lot of attention. This type of production will be sporadic and I have Woods as a WR3/flex option going forward. Now is a good time to gauge his value in your league.
Falcons 27, Jets 20: Don’t believe Kyle Pitts’ breakout game — 119 yards on nine receptions and a touchdown — was due to Calvin Ridley not making the trip to London. Pitts only received one more target than the week before. I’m still extremely confident in my preseason prediction of him breaking Mike Ditka’s tight end rookie record of 1,076 yards. Pitts is currently on pace for 1,047.
Packers 25, Bengals 22 (OT): Robert Tonyan has eight-or-fewer yards in four of five games. Drop him if you haven’t already.
Vikings 19, Lions 17: Detroit’s passing offense leaves a lot to be desired, but Amon-Ra St. Brown is trending in the right direction. The talented rookie has at least six receptions and eight targets in two straight games and deserves to be stashed in most PPR formats, especially with Quintez Cephus likely done for the season.
Steelers 27, Broncos 19: Chase Claypool becomes an every-down receiver with JuJu Smith-Schuster done for the season. In two games where Pittsburgh has been down a receiver this year, Claypool has 25-plus percent target shares with WR17 and WR11 finishes.
Buccaneers 45, Dolphins 17: Tom Brady’s current pace is silly: 6,008 yards and 51 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. Brady may not know this, but he’s 44 years old.
Saints 33, Football Team 22: Only Terry McLaurin had more targets than Ricky Seals-Jones — 11-to-9 — in Washington’s first game without Logan Thomas. Seals-Jones is a TE1 while Thomas is on injured reserve.
Eagles 21, Panthers 18: If you invested in Christian McCaffrey, but didn’t draft Chuba Hubbard, make sure you secure him once he’s dropped upon McCaffrey’s return. Hubbard showed he could handle a heavy load with 134 total yards on 29 touches.
Titans 37, Jaguars 19: This was a dud for Laviska Shenault Jr. — despite the impressive 58-yard catch-and-run that served as his only contribution on the day — but brighter days are ahead. Jacksonville moved Shenault outside to replace DJ Chark Jr., where he is better utilized compared to his previous slot role (his five career touchdowns have all come out wide).
Patriots 25, Texans 22: I don’t expect rookie Rhamondre Stevenson to threaten Damien Harris’ usage while Harris is healthy. He produced 58 yards and a touchdown despite missing four-fifths of his offensive line and significant time in the second half after suffering a chest injury. Harris is currently day-to-day.
Bears 20, Raiders 9: Khalil Herbert handled 63 percent of snaps when Chicago had the lead and took all of the two-minute offense. This smells like a committee with Damien Williams while David Montgomery is sidelined.
Chargers 47, Browns 42: Austin Ekeler will challenge Derrick Henry for RB1 in PPR at his current pace of 1,847 total yards, 78 receptions and 24 total touchdowns.
Cowboys 44, Giants 20: Dallas passed the ball 82 percent of the time against Tampa Bay to open the season, which was very reminiscent of 2020’s offense. It’s essentially been a 50/50 pass/run split since, which is great for those who invested in Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Not so much for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper and the plentiful receiving weapons at Prescott’s disposal.
Cardinals 17, 49ers 10: Much like Jalen Hurts, it appears Trey Lance will have a very high floor once he’s a full-time starter because of his rushing upside. If Lance doesn’t get stopped just short of a touchdown on fourth-and-goal, he ties Matt Ryan for QB12 last week, despite playing very unevenly.
Bills 38, Chiefs 20: Kick the tires on Stefon Diggs. Diggs’ usage remains elite on the most dynamic offense in the NFL. The massive production will come, but whoever drafted him expected a top-3 option and he’s currently WR25 in PPR.
Ravens 31, Colts 25 (OT): My professional opinion: Lamar Jackson is very, very, very good. Bonus analysis: Michael Pittman Jr. is transforming into a bonafide WR1. Pittman has at least six receptions and 59 yards in four straight games. He’s also averaging almost 10 targets during that stretch.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s my best bets for Week 6:
Obvious starters: Tom Brady (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Buccaneers D/ST, Jalen Hurts (PHI).
Who to start: Leonard Fournette (TB) has become the Buccaneers primary back with 39 touches for 249 total yards the last two games. Antonio Brown (TB) is a solid WR3/flex option with at least five receptions, 63 yards or a touchdown in three of four games this season. DeVonta Smith (PHI) has WR2 upside against a very beatable secondary. Consistent usage in the pass game and the potential negative game script keeps Miles Sanders (PHI) in the flex conversation. Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) merits flex consideration in deeper PPR formats for the same reasons.
Who to sit: Ronald Jones (TB) has yet to receive more than six carries in a game and doesn’t exist in the Bucs pass offense. Inconsistent volume makes Giovani Bernard (TB) nothing more than a dart throw in deeper PPR formats despite scoring in two straight. Both Cameron Brate (TB) and OJ Howard (TB) are touchdown dependent — I slightly favor Howard this week. Jalen Reagor (PHI) remains a boom-or-bust (mostly bust) option.
Sleeper: Dallas Goedert will likely miss this game after testing positive for COVID-19, while Zach Ertz (PHI) was already receiving more targets — the Buccaneers have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends the last three games.
MIAMI VS. JACKSONVILLE AT LONDON
Obvious starters: Mike Gesicki (MIA), James Robinson (JAX).
Who to start: Despite the rollercoaster ride, Myles Gaskins (MIA) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed eight touchdowns to running backs in five games. A team-best 36 targets make Jaylen Waddle (MIA) a solid flex option with a decent matchup. The Dolphins D/ST are too talented to not take advantage of an offense that has allowed 11 turnovers and two touchdowns in five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading DeVante Parker (MIA) until we see him healthy on the field. I’m also taking a wait-and-see approach with Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) if he’s activated off the injured reserve. There will be a time to trust Trevor Lawrence (JAX) in fantasy this season — soon — but we’re not quite there yet. I’m fading both Marvin Jones Jr. (JAX) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (JAX) against an elite secondary fresh off an embarrassing showing against the Buccaneers.
Sleeper: Dan Arnold (JAX) led the Jaguars in receptions (six), yards (64) and targets (eight) against the Titans.
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (GB), Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB).
Who to start: The Packers D/ST deserves streaming consideration against a rookie quarterback and an offensive line that has allowed 18 sacks in five games. Damien Williams (CHI) is a sold flex option with at least 70 total yards and a touchdown in two straight.
Who to sit: Robert Tonyan (GB) is touchdown-dependent and currently struggling to reach double-digit yards in a game. AJ Dillon (GB) remains touchdown-dependent. Randall Cobb (GB) has only received more than three targets in a game once this season. A low volume pass offense makes it hard to trust Allen Robinson (CHI) — only 18 targets the last four games — and Darnell Mooney (CHI). We need to see Justin Fields (CHI) run more before we can trust his floor in fantasy. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent. I’m fading a solid Bears D/ST against Rodgers.
Sleeper: Khalil Herbert (CHI) had 75 yards on 18 carries against the Raiders and could warrant flex consideration in deeper leagues, especially if Williams is limited by foot/knee issues.
Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), D’Andre Swift (DET), TJ Hockenson (DET).
Who to start: Joe Burrow (CIN) is a borderline QB1 in fantasy with multiple touchdowns in every game this season. Tee Higgins (CIN) has at least five receptions or a touchdown in every game he’s played this season. Jamaal Williams (DET) maintains flex value in deeper leagues with at least 14 touches in three straight. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) has at least six receptions and eight targets in two straight and has flex value in deeper PPR formats.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tyler Boyd (CIN) as the third option against a surprisingly stingy pass defense. Jared Goff (DET) doesn’t warrant consideration in fantasy at this time.
Sleeper: The Bengals D/ST are a strong streaming option with this matchup after holding Aaron Rodgers in check for almost five full quarters.
Obvious starters: Brandin Cooks (HOU), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: The Colts D/ST are a premium streaming option at home with this matchup.
Who to sit: David Johnson (HOU), Phillip Lindsay (HOU) and Mark Ingram (HOU) are all touchdown-dependent. You’re not starting Davis Mills (HOU) regardless of his performance last week and the solid matchup. Nyheim Hines (IND) has had two-or-fewer targets in three of five games. I’m fading T.Y. Hilton (IND) until we see him in game action. Zach Pascal (IND) has become touchdown-dependent with Pittman’s ascension.
Sleeper: Carson Wentz (IND) has played significantly better the last two games — 630 yards and four touchdowns against zero interceptions — and deserves streaming consideration.
L.A. RAMS AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Rams D/ST.
Who to start: Robert Woods (LAR) maintains WR3/flex value with a 23 percent target share. High volume should land Devontae Booker (NYG) in the RB2 range this week. Sterling Shepard (NYG) and Kadarius Toney (NYG) are both WR3/flex options, assuming they play.
Who to sit: Sony Michel (LAR) remains touchdown-dependent with a healthy Henderson in the lineup. Van Jefferson (LAR) and DeSean Jackson (LAR) remain boom-or-bust options. Saquon Barkley (NYG) and Kenny Golladay (NYG) are both doubtful. I’m fading Daniel Jones (NYG) with a difficult matchup, assuming he progresses through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust option if he’s active.
Sleeper: Evan Engram (NYG) could see increased volume with the Giants so thin at pass catcher.
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Tyreek Hill (KC), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Antonio Gibson (WAS).
Who to start: Darrel Williams (KC) replaces an injured Clyde Edwards-Helaire and is a premium flex option with upside in this high-powered offense. A negative game script should provide enough volume to utilize J.D. McKissic (WAS) as a flex option in PPR. Taylor Heinicke (WAS) is a solid streaming option against a terrible Chiefs defense. Ricky Seals-Jones (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed at least 116 yards to tight ends in three of five games.
Who to sit: Curtis Samuel (WAS) is week-to-week with a groin injury.
Sleeper: Mecole Hardman (KC) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed seven touchdowns to wide receivers in five games.
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Adam Thielen (MIN), Christian McCaffrey (CAR), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: You’re starting Dalvin Cook (MIN) if he’s active. Both the Vikings D/ST and Panthers D/ST are solid options this week.
Who to sit: Alexander Mattison (MIN) only has value if Cook is inactive again. Kirk Cousins (MIN) faces a pass defense that has allowed one-or-fewer touchdowns in three of four games. I’m fading Tyler Conklin (MIN) with a difficult matchup. Robby Anderson (CAR) has only caught 41.4 percent of his 29 targets this season. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) only has value if McCaffrey sits again. I’m fading Sam Darnold (CAR) against a pass defense that has played significantly better the last three games.
Sleeper: KJ Osborn (MIN) is a dart throw considering all the attention that will go towards Jefferson and Thielen.
L.A. CHARGERS AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: Jared Cook (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed tight ends to produce 420 yards on 36 receptions and three touchdowns in five games. Marquise Brown (BAL) has scored at least one touchdown in four of five games. Latavius Murray (BAL) is a solid flex option against a defense allowing 136 rushing yards and a touchdown to running backs per game.
Who to sit: I’m fading both the Chargers D/ST and Ravens D/ST with these two quarterbacks at the top of their game.
Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) is supposed to be active and could play a significant role with Sammy Watkins hobbled by a thigh injury.
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Chase Edmonds (ARI), Nick Chubb (CLE), Kareem Hunt (CLE).
Who to start: James Conner (ARI) deserves flex consideration despite the difficult matchup with double-digit carries in four of five and five touchdowns in the last three. The Cardinals D/ST has created 10 turnovers, 12 sacks and a touchdown in five games. Odell Beckham Jr. (CLE) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed seven touchdowns to wide receivers in five games.
Who to sit: Inconsistent volume makes it hard to trust AJ Green (ARI) or Christian Kirk (ARI) on the road against a formidable defense. Despite a solid game against the Chargers, Baker Mayfield (CLE) still only has four touchdown passes this season. Austin Hooper (CLE) and David Njoku (CLE) cancel each other out and face a defense who has yet to allow a touchdown to tight ends this season. I’m fading the Brown D/ST against Murray.
Sleeper: Rondale Moore (ARI) is dynamic enough to produce fantasy-relevant numbers with low volume and could receive an increase in usage if Edmonds is limited with his shoulder/hamstring issues.
Obvious starters: Darren Waller (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Noah Fant (DEN).
Who to start: Henry Ruggs (LV) deserves flex consideration against a pass defense that has allowed over 200 yards to wide receivers in three of five games. Hunter Renfrow (LV) has at least five receptions in every game this season. Both Melvin Gordon (DEN) and Javonte Williams (DEN) deserve flex consideration against a struggling run defense. Tim Patrick (DEN) has at least five receptions, 89 yards or a touchdown in 11 of his last 18 games.
Who to sit: Kenyan Drake (LV) has three touches the last two games. Teddy Bridgewater (DEN) faces a pass defense that has allowed one-or-fewer touchdowns in four of five games. I’m fading the Broncos D/ST in what might be a sneaky high-scoring affair.
Sleeper: Derek Carr (LV) is a sneaky streaming option with all the turmoil in Vegas — Carr has at least 371 passing yards in his last two games in Denver.
Obvious starters: Dak Prescott (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Amari Cooper (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: Tony Pollard (DAL) is a premium flex option averaging 14 touches and 94 total yards the last four games. A healthy 46 targets through five games makes Jakobi Meyers (NE) a solid WR3/flex value in PPR regardless if scores a touchdown. Hunter Henry (NE) led the Patriots with eight targets and caught a touchdown for the second straight week against the Texans.
Who to sit: I’m fading Dalton Schultz (DAL) against a defense that has only allowed 106 yards on 11 receptions and a touchdown to tight ends in five games. Damien Harris (NE) faces a run defense allowing 55 yards per game to running backs and a single touchdown on the year. There are higher upside options than the Patriots D/ST this week. Jonnu Smith (NE) only has 45 yards on six receptions the last three games. Mac Jones (NE) has one-or-fewer touchdown passes in four of five games.
Sleeper: Nelson Agholor (NE) faces a pass defense that has allowed at least 209 yards to wide receivers in four of five games and six touchdowns overall.
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Najee Smith (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Chase Claypool (PIT), Steelers D/ST.
Who to start: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) faces a pass defense that has allowed at least 322 yards in four straight games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Chris Carson (SEA) against a defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown to running backs this season — this fade includes Alex Collins (SEA) if Carson sits again. Gerald Everett (SEA) will be touchdown-dependent if he’s active. Something has gone horribly wrong if you’re considering Geno Smith (SEA) this week.
Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed a touchdown to tight ends in three straight games.
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Dawson Knox (BUF), Bills D/ST, Derrick Henry (TEN), AJ Brown (TEN).
Who to start: Zack Moss (BUF) has 92 total yards or a touchdown in three straight games. Emmanuel Sanders (BUF) has at least five receptions, 52 yards or a touchdown in four of five games. Julio Jones (TEN) deserves flex consideration if he’s active with a possible negative game script.
Who to sit: Moss out-snapped Devin Singletary (BUF) 42-to-15 against the Chiefs. It’s hard to trust Cole Beasley (BUF) with four-or-fewer targets in three of five games despite the premium matchup. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) has one-or-fewer touchdown passes in four of five games.
Sleeper: Anthony Firkser (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed a touchdown to tight ends in two of the last three games.
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